AMARCORD LIVING

Here at Our Gypsy Souls, when we do a travel review/guide/article we get straight to the nitty-gritty. None of this high glossy catalogue upscale up-sale photographic imagery.
Your travel budget? None. Your wish to visit place? Plenty. Here is how.

Next to a now independent San Marino is Rimini, Emilia-Romagny

Amarcord classic, 1979

My post about Italy has been well overdue, mainly down to the fact that I have by now embarked on so many wonderful adventures across the boot there is hardly any time and enough blog space to write down my warm feelings for this country.

Yet, let's start off in the North somewhere first. Rimini. Coastal town and a Fellini native land that was so remarkably noted in Amarcord, 1973 tears and laughter induced film account of his growing up in this beautiful town.

A somewhat 'party central' reputation since the 60's, Rimini is now over saturated with tourists flocking and a somewhat sandy beach, cheap beer, pizza slice summer fiasco. However, there are plenty of hidden gems under this stereotype. Do not be fooled.

Heart of Rimini

Pelicano, gelato heaven

THE BREAKDOWN
Fly to Bologna, take an hour train ride to Rimini. Easy. I suggest stopping over in Bologna at least for lunch in between.

THE DIGS
AirBnb.com never fails me as I stay with a true local lovely Italian girl who immediately makes me feel welcome with her Husky pup and a chatty cat in a residential sunny block just off the main strip in heart of Rimini. Price? Triple the less than a wallpaper peeling hotel. A Piadina (Italian local gastronome meets cafe) just down the road with fresh fruit and veg at my doorstep every day. Bliss!

THE BEACH
Rimini is a mix of paid and free colourful sea of umbrellas. You get the idea. Instead why not take the bus 20min from Rimini to Riccione and you will be at Cocorico Beach Club. 10eur beach chair, umbrella, music, good looking friendly staff, real local vibe.



THE SHOPS
Ok, seriously forget Milan for now. I hate to say it but there are millions of other affordable options here, with cool designs-fair quality latest trend shoes that everyone will gawk at in London or even Milan itself and will be asking 'where did you get them?', to which you will smirk and say 'Italy', like a true fashionista. But honestly, I am talking about only breaking the bank by 20-30 euros or so. Tops!
Another discovery I made was Happiness Brand, so greatly promoted by model bloggers such as Chiara Nasti and now, a fan myself. This is a relatively new brand now in Milan, Rimini and Los Angeles - colourful 'happy' (duh) designs to go with your new shoes you just bought!

Angelina Roz at a Happiness location in Rimini

Chiara Nasti, fashionista in Happiness brand top

THE FOOD
Cook at home! All fresh produce is here! Other options are 4euro larger than life pizza at Pizzeria Mille Gusti with a 3eur Nastro Azzuro classic Italian beer or a glass of wine for 5eur with snacks as an aperetif option virtually anywhere between 6-8PM daily. Gelato, gelato, gelato, best way to beat the heat and variety with innovative flavours such as Pavlova, Fellini and of course, widely favourited Nutella is best at Pellicano Ice creamery near Rimini shopping square or down on the beach. Just google map it!

Pink Summer Nights in Rimini

THE NIGHTLIFE
A stroll down the beach and even a cliche but worth the retro revolving wheel trip with a beer bottle in your hand whilst you revisit the Amarcord sightings of today. Although the set was recreated in Rome whilst filming, the characters are felt here. From a voluptuous lady at the bakery to the high fashion long legged Gradisca at night once you visit some of the bars/clubs in Riccione. Suggested routes would be hitting Bar Blue in via Ceccarini in Riccione, then taking a taxi to either Villa Delle Rose, Altromondo Studios, whichever night it is. Rock Island in Rimini or Coconuts are nice and lively too.

Overall, Rimini is worth the visit. Rent a vespa or a car and find yourself finding more local spots than I ever did on foot without forking out a fortune. A real mix of retro and trendy, Rimini is growing and adored by many for different reasons - great nightlife or sandy beaches. What is there not worth remembering by Fellini, really?.. I leave with that same feeling captured in the film. Happy yet sentimental. Very North Italian and proud.